Which Thanksgiving Foods Will Pass Airport Security

The TSA permits pies and cakes as carry-on baggage but your desserts may be subject to additional screenings.

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As the country prepares to gobble on Thanksgiving, some travelers may be inclined to bring traditional dishes into the friendly skies with them. The question is, can you?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with a little careful planning and proper packing, you can technically fly with all of your Turkey Day favorites to and from the feast. Depending upon which dishes you are trying to travel with, however, some foods require more precautions than others.

"Anything that presents a potential threat is looked at as a prohibited item," a TSA spokesperson told ABC News. "Items that have high concentrations of liquids fit that category."

Translation: cranberry sauce, creamy dips and spreads, gift baskets that contain liquid or gel food items such as mustard, salsa, jams, salad dressings, etc., and the celebrity condiment of the week--gravy--must all be stored in checked baggage.

The good news is that most cakes and pies are fine to take as carry-ons. But if your preferred pie is of the more gelatinous variety, such as key lime or chocolate mousse, it may require additional screening or could ultimately be rejected.

"It's very difficult to say this particular pie is acceptable and that one isn't," said the TSA spokesperson. "We have to err on the side of caution. The rule of thumb should be, if it's questionable, you should ship them or bake or buy them on the opposite end of your trip."